Harmony, RI

Providence County may require vegetation management for fire safety. RI does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.

Open burning in Providence County requires a permit from the local fire department and is restricted under RIGL §23-28.2 and RI DEM Air Pollution Control Regulation 4. Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls effectively prohibit open burning in dense urban areas.

Rhode Island has no formal wildfire hazard zone designations like California's WUI maps. Providence County is densely urbanized with limited wildland interface. Open burning is regulated by RI DEM under RIGL §23-28.11 and local fire departments, but no defensible space ordinances or fire-resistant construction mandates exist statewide.

All aerial consumer fireworks and firecrackers are illegal throughout Rhode Island under RIGL 11-13-1. Only ground-based sparkling devices (sparklers, snaps, smoke devices) are legal. Professional displays require a State Fire Marshal permit filed at least 15 days in advance and must comply with NFPA 1123/1124. Fireworks are prohibited within 200 feet of churches, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools (RIGL 23-28.11). Municipalities may impose additional restrictions including banning sparklers.

Open burning in Providence County requires written approval from the RIDEM Director under RIGL 23-23 and 250-RICR-120-05-4. Recreational fires (fire pits) are generally allowed under International Fire Code setback rules adopted statewide, but individual municipalities may impose additional restrictions or seasonal burn bans. Providence County has no county government and no county-level fire pit ordinance.

Rhode Island municipalities regulate carports as accessory structures under RIGL §45-24 zoning authority. Providence, Cranston, and other Providence County cities require building permits and enforce setbacks, with historic districts imposing additional review.

Rhode Island regulates tiny homes under the State Building Code's IRC Appendix Q (tiny houses under 400 sq ft) and local zoning. RI's 2022 ADU law under RIGL §45-24-37(j) creates a statutory path for some tiny homes as accessory dwelling units.

Garage conversions in Providence County are governed by individual municipal zoning ordinances and the RI State Building Code (SBC-2). Providence County has no county government. Building permits are required for all garage conversions. Converted spaces must meet residential building code requirements for egress, insulation, electrical, and plumbing. If the conversion results in an ADU, RIGL 45-24-73 provisions apply (within existing footprint qualifies for by-right ADU). Municipalities may require replacement off-street parking.

Providence County has no county government and no county-level shed regulations. Shed permit thresholds vary by municipality — typically 64 to 200 sq ft depending on the city. All sheds must meet local zoning setback requirements regardless of size. Larger structures require building permits under RI State Building Code (SBC-2, 510-RICR-00-00-2, adopting IRC 2018). Electrical and plumbing installations always require permits. Flood zone properties face additional requirements.

RI passed ADU-friendly legislation in 2024 encouraging municipalities to allow ADUs. Providence County may permit ADUs under local zoning with conditions.

Providence County municipalities require STR hosts to provide one off-street parking space per bedroom. Dense urban triple-decker neighborhoods in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls face strict on-street parking constraints and winter parking bans.

Rhode Island imposes state hotel tax and registration on short-term rentals under RIGL §42-63.1, but insurance requirements are set locally. Providence requires liability coverage for licensed STRs; other Providence County cities vary.

Rhode Island sets no statewide STR occupancy limits. Providence County has no county government. Occupancy limits for short-term rentals are regulated by individual municipalities based on building code capacity, fire code, and local zoning. The Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (RIGL Title 23, Ch. 28.1-28.39) establishes maximum occupancy standards for habitable spaces that apply statewide.

Rhode Island imposes multiple taxes on short-term rentals of 30 days or less that apply throughout Providence County: 7% state sales tax, 5% state hotel tax (RIGL 44-18-36.1), and 1% local hotel tax (increasing to 2% on January 1, 2026). A new 5% tax on entire-dwelling STRs takes effect January 1, 2026. Hosting platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) are required to collect and remit these taxes.

Providence County has no county government and no county-level STR neighbor impact regulations. Individual municipalities in Providence County address neighbor impacts through their STR permit conditions, noise ordinances, and nuisance enforcement. State nuisance law provides a general framework for addressing neighbor disputes.

Rhode Island has no statewide STR permit requirement and does not preempt municipalities from regulating STRs. Providence County has no county government and issues no STR permits. All STR permitting is handled by individual municipalities — Providence, Cranston, and other cities in the county have adopted their own registration or permit systems.

Rhode Island prohibits feeding of deer and certain wildlife under RIGL §20-16 and RI DEM regulations. Providence County municipalities also address wildlife feeding through nuisance and public health ordinances, especially for urban coyotes and geese.

Urban Providence County cities (Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket) restrict or prohibit backyard chickens. Smithfield, Lincoln, Cumberland, and Johnston allow hens in residential zones with coop setbacks. No roosters in residential.

Rhode Island does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-based under RI Gen Laws §4-13.1.

RIGL 4-13 requires all dogs to be licensed annually through local city or town clerks. Dogs must be confined to the owner's property or restrained on a leash. RIGL 4-13.1 regulates vicious dogs through a behavior-based approach. RIGL 4-13-43 prohibits breed-specific legislation — no municipality in Providence County may enact breed-specific rules. Providence County has no county government; enforcement is entirely municipal.

RIGL 4-12 requires all apiaries in Rhode Island to be registered annually with the RIDEM Director by March 1. Movement permits are required under RIGL 4-12-8 for transporting hives. RIDEM is authorized to inspect apiaries (RIGL 4-12-4). The Beekeeping Advisory Board (RIGL 4-12-16) advises on state policy. These requirements apply throughout Providence County. Individual municipalities may impose additional setback or hive count restrictions.

RIDEM regulates exotic and wild animal possession through state permit requirements. Certain species require importation permits. Rhode Island prohibits private ownership of large exotic cats, bears, and primates without special permits. Providence County has no county government and no county-level exotic pet regulations. Individual municipalities may impose additional restrictions through local animal control ordinances.

Rhode Island regulates hot tubs under the State Building Code (RIGL §23-27.3) adopting IRC Appendix G. Electrical permits required for 240V circuits, and a lockable safety cover may satisfy barrier requirements.

RI State Building Code requires permits for all swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs deeper than 24 inches. Providence, Cranston, and Warwick building departments review plans for setbacks, electrical (GFCI), barriers, and drainage.

The Rhode Island Swimming Pool and Spa Code (510-RICR-00-00-14), based on the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2015, applies throughout Providence County. Any pool deeper than 24 inches requires a barrier at least 48 inches high with maximum 2-inch bottom clearance. Openings must not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Chain link maximum opening is 1.75 inches. Horizontal members below 45 inches must be on the pool side (anti-climb). Gates must open outward, self-close, and self-latch.

Pool placement setbacks in Providence County are regulated by individual municipal zoning ordinances. Rhode Island has no statewide pool setback standard beyond the barrier requirements in 510-RICR-00-00-14. Providence County has no county government. Typical setback requirements across the county are 5 to 10 feet from property lines. Pools in FEMA flood zones may face elevation and anchoring requirements.

Rhode Island pool safety is governed by the statewide Swimming Pool and Spa Code (510-RICR-00-00-14, authority RIGL 23-27.3). Building permits are required for all pools and spas. Anti-entrapment drain covers are required per the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. ASTM F1346-compliant safety covers may qualify for certain barrier exemptions. Municipalities may add alarm requirements or stricter standards.

RI State Building Code (SBC-1) exempts fences under 6 feet from building permits, but Providence County cities require zoning permits for most new fences. Historic districts (Benefit Street, College Hill) require HDC approval.

Rhode Island State Building Code (RIGL §23-27.3) requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing. Engineered plans required for walls over 4 feet or with surcharge loads.

Rhode Island State Building Code adopts IRC Appendix G pool barrier standards requiring 48-inch minimum fence height with self-closing, self-latching gates. Enforcement is strict at the municipal building department permit stage.

Rhode Island state law does not restrict fence materials. Providence County has no county government. Material restrictions are set by individual municipalities through zoning codes. Most cities in Providence County prohibit barbed wire and razor wire in residential areas. Historic districts may impose additional material and design requirements.

RIGL 34-10-9 requires partition fences to run on the dividing line with each owner maintaining one-half and costs shared equally unless otherwise agreed. RIGL 34-10-17 provides for fence viewers to settle disputes, with decisions binding on present and future occupants (10 days notice required). RIGL 34-10-14 allows owners to make binding agreements for holding and improving partition fences. These state laws apply uniformly throughout Providence County.

Rhode Island has comprehensive fence statutes under RIGL 34-10 but does not set statewide height limits. Providence County has no county government. Fence height limits are set by municipal zoning — typical limits across the county are 6 feet for rear/side yards and 3 to 4 feet for front yards.

Providence County cities prohibit sidewalk blocking and unpaved front-yard parking. Providence Code §23-21 and Cranston Code require paved driveway surfaces. Curb cuts require permits from DPW and, on state roads, RIDOT.

Rhode Island adopted EV-ready building code provisions in 2022 under RIGL §23-27.3 and provides rebates through the DRIVE EV program. Providence County municipalities issue electrical permits for Level 2 charger installations.

Rhode Island has no statewide overnight parking restrictions. Providence County has no county government and imposes no overnight parking rules. Individual municipalities set their own overnight parking policies — several cities in Providence County (Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket) restrict overnight street parking to permit holders or prohibit it entirely during certain hours.

RIGL 31-42 governs abandoned motor vehicles statewide. Vehicles left 10 or more days in commercial garages after notice are deemed abandoned. Individual municipalities enforce abandoned vehicle removal on public streets under their own ordinances. Providence County has no county government and no county-level abandoned vehicle program.

Providence County restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight and size limits apply. Overnight storage of heavy trucks typically prohibited.

RIGL 31-21-4 establishes statewide parking prohibitions on state highways, fire lanes, crosswalks, and other restricted areas. Rhode Island has no statewide 72-hour parking limit — individual municipalities set their own time limits. Providence County has no county government and no county-level street parking regulations. Winter parking bans for snow removal are common among municipalities in the county.

Rhode Island has no statewide RV or boat street storage regulations. Providence County has no county government. RV and boat parking on residential properties and streets is regulated by individual municipalities through local zoning and parking ordinances. Most municipalities in the county restrict RV/boat storage in front yards and require screening.

Providence Zoning §1203 limits home occupations to no walk-in retail and minimal client traffic. Pawtucket, Cranston, and Warwick similarly restrict customer visits. No increase in residential traffic permitted.

Rhode Island licenses family child care homes under RIGL §42-12.5 and DCYF regulations. Providence County municipalities must allow licensed family home daycare as a permitted use in residential zones per RIGL §45-24-37(b).

RIGL 21-27-6.2 (updated 2022) allows anyone to register as a cottage food manufacturer ($65 fee). Production is limited to nonperishable baked goods only, produced in a home kitchen meeting minimum housing standards. Food safety training is required. Jams, jellies, candies, and other products require a commercial food license and commercial kitchen. Sales are limited to within Rhode Island (no interstate shipping). These rules apply uniformly throughout Providence County.

Providence County allows home occupations in residential zones with conditions per RI Zoning Enabling Act (RI Gen Laws §45-24). Local permits required.

Rhode Island has no statewide home business signage regulations. Providence County has no county government. Signage for home-based businesses is regulated by individual municipalities through zoning ordinances. Most municipalities in Providence County prohibit or severely restrict signage for home occupations — typically no external signage is allowed, or only a small nameplate (1 to 2 square feet) is permitted.

Rhode Island does not set statewide barking dog standards. Providence County has no county government. Barking dog complaints are handled by individual municipal animal control departments under local nuisance ordinances. RIGL 4-13-16 allows municipalities to regulate dogs creating a nuisance.

Rhode Island has no statewide residential quiet hours. Providence County has no county government and does not enact ordinances. Noise regulations are set entirely by individual municipalities within the county. RIDEM has authority over industrial and environmental noise under RIGL 23-23 (Air Pollution Control Act) but does not regulate residential quiet hours.

Rhode Island does not impose statewide construction hour limits. Providence County has no county government. Construction hours are regulated by individual municipalities — typical limits in the county are 7 AM to 8 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM Saturdays, though each city sets its own schedule.

Rhode Island has no statewide restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers. Providence County has no county government and imposes no leaf blower rules. Any restrictions on leaf blowers are set by individual municipalities, though most cities in Providence County rely on general noise ordinance hours rather than specific leaf blower bans.

Providence County regulates amplified music and events. Permits required for public amplification. Residential areas must comply with local noise ordinances.

Rhode Island RIGL §21-28.11 allows cities to opt out of cannabis retail by ballot referendum. Providence allows dispensaries in commercial zones with 500-1000 ft school buffers. Cranston approved retail by referendum; several towns opted out.

Rhode Island RIGL §21-28.11 (Cannabis Act, 2022) allows adults 21+ to grow up to 6 plants at home (3 mature). Providence County municipalities follow state limits. Plants must be in secure, enclosed space not visible from public view.

Rhode Island has no statewide rent control, and Providence County municipalities have not adopted local rent caps. RIGL §34-18 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) governs rent increases with notice requirements but no price ceiling.

Providence requires rental property registration under §17-188 (2005 Lead Safe and Healthy Homes ordinance). Pawtucket Code §214 requires rental registration and inspection. Providence charges ~$100 registration plus lead inspection for pre-1978 properties.

Rhode Island RIGL §34-18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) does not require just cause for eviction. Landlords can terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days' notice for any non-discriminatory reason. For-cause evictions follow faster timelines under §34-18-35 to §34-18-37.

Providence County requires erosion and sediment control under RI DEM Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook and local grading ordinances. Disturbance of 1+ acre triggers RIPDES Construction General Permit with silt fence, stabilized entrance, and inspections.

Providence County Phase II MS4 communities enforce stormwater rules under RI DEM general permit and RIGL §45-61.2. Providence Code Ch. 23 Art. X requires stormwater management plans for new development disturbing 1+ acre and LID retrofits.

Providence County municipalities require grading permits for excavation/fill over 50 cubic yards under Providence Code §23 and RI State Building Code. Drainage cannot be redirected onto neighboring properties. Retaining walls over 4 ft need engineered plans.

Providence County coastal properties on Narragansett Bay fall under Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) jurisdiction under RIGL §46-23. CRMC permits (Assent) required for any work within 200 ft of tidal water. Setbacks tied to erosion rates.

All 39 Rhode Island municipalities participate in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Providence County is highly vulnerable to riverine flooding from the Blackstone, Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, Pawtuxet, and Ten Mile Rivers, as well as coastal flooding from Narragansett Bay. RIDEM administers floodplain management under RIGL Title 46. The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC, RIGL 46-23) oversees development within approximately 200 feet of coastal features. Many municipalities have adopted freeboard requirements of 1 to 2 feet above Base Flood Elevation. The historic March 2010 floods caused widespread damage throughout Providence County.

Rhode Island municipalities in Providence County generally permit residential holiday decorations without permits, subject to local nuisance, noise, and historic district rules. Displays must not obstruct sidewalks or create hazards.

Providence County municipalities allow political signs on private property with size limits (typically 6-16 sq ft residential). Signs in public rights-of-way prohibited. Post-election removal required within 7-14 days. Reed v. Gilbert protects content-neutral rules only.

Providence County municipalities regulate temporary garage sale signs through local sign ordinances. Most cities including Providence, Cranston, and Pawtucket prohibit signs in the public right-of-way and on utility poles, with removal required within 24-48 hours after the sale.

Providence limits food truck vending on public streets and designates approved zones including Kennedy Plaza and Burnside Park through the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism. Surrounding towns (Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket) generally prohibit on-street vending and limit trucks to private property with owner consent and zoning approval.

Providence County mobile food vendors need a city license plus a RI Department of Health mobile food service permit. Providence requires an annual mobile food establishment license; Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and other towns each license separately through the town/city clerk.

Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Warwick, and Woonsocket provide weekly curbside trash and single-stream recycling. Barrels must be out by 6 to 7 AM on pickup day. Holidays shift collection one day.

Rhode Island mandates residential recycling under RIGL §23-18.8. Providence County cities use single-stream curbside for paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastics #1/#2. Contaminated bins rejected. Businesses and multifamily subject to commercial recycling rules.

Providence County cities require barrels placed curbside with lids closed, at least 3 feet apart, clear of parked cars, hydrants, and mailboxes. Barrels must be retrieved within 24 hours and stored out of public view between collections.

Providence offers scheduled bulk pickup via 3-1-1 request; Cranston, Pawtucket, and Warwick also operate monthly or appointment bulk collection. Appliances must have refrigerant certified removed. RIRRC Eco-Depot handles household hazardous waste.

Providence County municipalities regulate trash bin placement and storage through local property maintenance codes. Providence Code Chapter 13 and similar ordinances require bins screened from street view between collection days.

Providence County communities allow garage and yard sales without permits in most cases but require neat display and prompt cleanup. Signs must be removed within 24-48 hours after the sale under local sign codes. Frequency is typically limited to 2-4 sales per year.

Providence County municipalities require property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks, typically within a few hours of daylight following snowfall. Providence Code §23-65 mandates removal, with fines starting around $50 per occurrence.

Providence County municipalities enforce property maintenance codes under RIGL Title 45 Ch. 24.3 (Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code) and local minimum housing ordinances. Blight conditions including peeling paint, broken windows, and accumulated debris trigger written notices with 10-30 day compliance periods, fines of $100-$500 per day, and municipal abatement with liens.

Providence County cities require vacant lot owners to mow overgrown vegetation (typically over 10 inches), remove trash, secure the site against trespass, and register vacant properties annually. Non-compliance triggers municipal mowing and cleanup with costs becoming a lien under RIGL §45-24.3-17.

Recreational drones in Providence County follow FAA 49 USC §44809. Max 400 ft AGL, FAA registration for drones over 0.55 lbs, TRUST test required. T.F. Green (Warwick) and North Central (Smithfield) airport Class D airspace restrictions apply.

Commercial drone operations in Providence County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. LAANC needed near T.F. Green and North Central airports. Providence film permit required for commercial aerial filming on public property.

Providence enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17: 9 PM to 6 AM on school nights and 10:30 PM to 6 AM on weekends per Code §16-27. Cranston, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket have similar ordinances. Providence curfew survived constitutional challenge in Qutb-style litigation.

Providence parks including Roger Williams Park, India Point Park, and Burnside Park close at 9 PM with re-opening at dawn unless event-permitted. Cranston, Warwick, and other towns post sunset-to-sunrise closures. RI state parks (Lincoln Woods, Chase Farm) enforce DEM regulations.

Providence residential height limits are typically 35-40 ft or 2.5-3 stories per Zoning Ordinance Ch. 27. Downtown D-1 and waterfront zones allow significantly taller. Cranston, Warwick, and suburban RA districts cap at 35 ft / 2.5 stories. Historic districts may impose stricter limits.

Providence County setbacks are set by each municipality's zoning ordinance under RIGL §45-24 (Zoning Enabling Act). Providence R-1 zones require ~20 ft front, 8 ft side, 20 ft rear. Cranston, Warwick, and suburban towns generally require larger setbacks. RI triple-deckers often legal-nonconforming.

Providence County lot coverage limits vary by municipality and zoning district. Providence residential zones typically allow 40-50% building coverage plus additional impervious limits. Suburban RA zones permit 20-30%. RI DEM stormwater rules apply to parcels over certain impervious thresholds.

Providence and several Providence County cities honor posted No Soliciting signs as legally binding notice to commercial solicitors. A posted sign creates a criminal trespass basis under RIGL §11-44-26 if ignored. Most towns do not maintain a formal registry, relying on posted signage instead.

Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, and other Providence County cities require door-to-door commercial solicitors to register with the police department, submit to a BCI background check through RI Attorney General, and carry a visible ID badge. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing are protected and generally exempt.

Providence regulates public/street tree removal through the City Forester and Parks Department under Code Ch. 23. Private-property tree removal on residential lots is generally unregulated in Providence County municipalities, but historic districts, CRMC coastal zones, and development projects trigger permit requirements.

Providence, Cranston, Warwick, and Pawtucket require replacement planting for removed street trees and in major development projects. Residential private-property removals generally do not trigger replacement. CRMC and DEM projects impose strict replacement ratios in coastal and wetland areas.

Rhode Island has no statewide heritage tree statute, but Providence and Cranston maintain Notable Tree inventories through their tree wardens under RIGL §2-14. Historic district trees in Benefit Street, College Hill, and similar areas receive protection via Historic District Commission review.

Most Providence County municipalities do not require a permit for occasional residential yard sales. Providence, Cranston, and Warwick regulate through general zoning and sign ordinances rather than permits. Some suburbs require free registration. Repeated sales trigger home business / retail classification.

Providence County cities typically limit residential yard sales to 2-4 per household per calendar year. Providence allows up to 4 sales per year under Code Ch. 14 general nuisance provisions. Exceeding limits suggests commercial retail activity and triggers zoning enforcement.

Providence County yard sales typically run 8 AM to 6 PM or sunrise to sunset, avoiding the early-morning quiet hours enforced under Providence Noise Ordinance Code Ch. 16. Sign posting on public property is prohibited; signs must be removed within 24 hours of sale end.

Providence County municipalities prohibit outdoor lighting that causes unreasonable glare or spillover onto neighboring properties. Providence Code §16-25 treats excessive light as a nuisance. Commercial spillover capped at 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines.

Rhode Island RIGL §42-85 (Outdoor Lighting Control Act) requires state-funded outdoor lighting to be full-cutoff shielded. Providence Code §27 zoning imposes shielding requirements on commercial fixtures. Residential rules focus on trespass rather than full dark-sky compliance.

Providence County municipalities require building and electrical permits for solar PV installations per the Rhode Island State Building Code. Rhode Island offers net metering under RIGL §39-26.4 and solar easement protections under RIGL §34-40.1.

Rhode Island's solar easement statute RIGL §34-40.1 allows solar access rights but does not broadly preempt HOA restrictions. Unlike California or Florida, RI lacks a strong solar rights law, so HOA CC&Rs may still impose aesthetic limits.